The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1887-12-06
4 HOLIDAY PASIINE.
New York Fireside Communion.


hands and feet of ample dimensions, Phil Dodd
certainly did not very closely resemble Apollo.
or any other of those ancient models of manly
beauty. But his homely face beamed with per-
petna good humor. and his big hands were
brown with honest toll.
On this particular afternoon he was wedding
i'll the front garden with occasionally an ex-
pectant glance down the country for the stage
coach For the Dodds had been making prepa-
rations, for week past, for the reception of
summer boarders, who were to arrive that
afternoon in the shape Of two young ladies.
Phil, the only son and heir of the Dodds,
had at first decidedly objected to ''havin girls
pesterin round the place" But he had been
so far won over by his sagecious mothers rep
resentation of the profits TO be reaped there
from as to help forwarding the preparations,
even going to the extravaganza of painting
the buggy and whitewashing the front fence.
Now, rs he stood awaiting their arrival, with
an eagerness which he would not have betrayed
for worlds, he was pioturng to himself how he
would receive them. He meant to advance
gracefully 10 the stage and assist them to alight
with bow and few polite words of welcome,
just as lie had seen the city chaps do at the
new hotel
But, alas for human resolves! No sooner
hill than his courage completely forsook him.
and he ANONYMOUSLY retreated to the rear of
the house. Thence, from a screened retreat,
he watched rough, honest old Ephraim Dodd
assist two visions in bright summer costumes
and lace parasols to alght while Ma Dodd,
fresh from the kitchen, stood in the doorway,
arms akimbo, to receive her guests.
"What derned fool l am,' was Phil men,
tai comment; thinking consolingly, however,
that no one but himself knew of his defeat.
But his next thought was, how was he ever
to face them at tea? He would have kept q
fast that night, rather than go through that
ordeal, but he kew he could not escape his anxi-
Gus mothers inquiries as TO his non-appear-
ance
But there was some latent ieroism in Phil,
al knowing that the worst must come, he
summoned all his courage and marched boldly
into the dinng-room at his mothers summons.
'"This is my son, PHIL announced the
proud mother, with an air which plainly said,
"and L reckon you amt seen many like him"
"And Phil this is Miss Lorraine indicating
quiet ladysloozing girl, who merely bowed aud
murn1ureG some words of greeting. "And this
is Miss Vernon" continued the worthy woman.
white hand was extended, which he
grasped almost mechanically in his big, brown
paw, and pair OF blue eyes glanced coquet-
ishly at him, as Miss Vernon said, sweetly:
GLOW do you do, Mr.. Dodd"
Mr.. Dodd! 1t fairly took his breath away.
Sure she must have meant dad" but the
young lady evidently knew what she was say
ing as she also addressed "dad" as Mr.. Dodd
That meal which Phil had SO dreaded passed
off in an extremely satisfactory manner Miss
Vernon completely won "Marm" Dodd's heart
by the praises she bestowed on her biscuit and
butter, and Strawberries; and she so complete
ly bewildered poor Phil by the bewitching
chances she bestowed on him that he lost his
appetite entirely.
In the long summer days that followed, the
city girls explored the farm, sketched in the
woods, and expressed unbounded delight and
establishment at everything they saw.
And Miss Vernon insisted on pressing Phil
into her service. He must 90 with them to
show them where the incest ferns grew, and
the best streams for trouting and o thousand
and one other things 1t mattered not to the
despotic little lady that it was the busiest part
of the haying season, and Farmer Dodd's dis
gust and chagrin at his sons Sinking clear of
the work ito dance round after couple OF
gals were alike unheedcd by her. AS for
Phil-would he not have gone TO the north pole
at the bidding of these ripe lips, or at glance
from those wondrous, violet eyes?
His life was feYerish dream Of bliss and
fortune. He thought how tame existence had
been before her coming, but he dared not think
what it wonld be like after her departure.
The money he expended in hair oil and per-
fumery almost rendered him bankrupt.
The two girls were seated in the chest ROOM
at the close Of a sultry August afternoon, Miss
Vernon vigorously using her fan.
$50 this is our last day here" she remarked,
languidly. "Wel, have rather enjoyed rus
ticating, and shall go back to city fortified for
any amount of dissipation"
eyes, do think the worthy people have
dane their best to entertain us, said her
Especially Phil" said Miss Vernon, with
soft little laugh che has really proved inval-
liable: Do you know, he has asked me to go
for drive with him tonight"
"Well, do you think it is quite right TO lead
him ON as you are doiug?" said her friend, So
berry "He is so innocent-or perhaps You
would term it 'yerdant'-that believe he
thinks you are in earnest"
II lead him on Why, May, what are you
thinking of?' said Miss Vernon, with q pretty
assumption of surprise.
eyes, any one can see that he is head over
ears in love with you. But then | believe You
would hirt with a gorilla if nothing more
available came in your way"
"You astonish me, May, by your profound
insight into human character" said her friend
with a languid smile. "But there is the bug
gy at the door, so suppose must make haste>
and not keep my cavalier waiting" and gay,
heartlcss Nell donned her most coqucttish hat
and tripped down stairs.
How peaceful everything seemed,
with distant echo from the fold and lea"
as they bowled along the smooth country road
ihpAc was hDb4i1iib fNAJ pDotiSNi. III 4 M .
compOsition--he was much better yersed in
horse-lore than in analizing natures moods
but he felt in an indefnable manner, the CON
trast between the claim Of outward things and
his own inward, feverish unrest.
For Phil had resolved to learn his fate to-
night. He had brought Miss Vernon out for
the express purpose Of asking her TO share his
name and fortunes. True, she did seem rather
above him; but then, had she not given plain
proofs Of her attachment TO the country and Of
her preference for himself?
Besides, he was considered rather "ketch"
with the farmers daughters round about
There was 'Mariar" Black, who would give
hereyes 10 be mistress Of the Dodd farm. But
"Mariar'b" charms paled UNNECESSARILY before
those Of his brilliant companion.
$50 this Is my last evening at PenDyyille,"
Miss NemOrs dulcet tones were saying. 81
know you must be glad, Phil, We have been
such a bother 70 you"
Hero was his opportunity.
"Ididnt knoW-I--I-thought maybe you'd
conclude to stay with Us a.togelhea
'fuefr'f:"- ''~"
so. that would be impossible" she said, with
an irreprossiblc giggle.
The bare thought OF spending the rest Of hef
eayety.loving life with bustling "Marn"
DOdd SO appealed TO her &nse Of the ludicrous